Red Mountain via Old Commonwealth Trail

Old Commonwealth Trail is a great hike throughout the year, and it provides access to the thrilling ascent of Red Mountain, which involves a sky-high scrambling section. This is a good hike for those comfortable with exposure, heights, and intermediate scrambles.

Begin at the PCT trailhead. The Old Commonwealth Trail split off left from the PCT very quickly—take this. Stay right through two junctions and cross the creek. This first mile or so is quite flat and relaxed, but also deep in thick brush and potentially overgrown.

When you cross Commonwealth Creek, look for a bridge to use to cross and then return to the trail. Head northwest, you’ll merge onto Commonwealth Basin Trail. A handful of stream crossings lead you up to where you’ll begin to climb a bit more aggressively, hiking through very narrow switchbacks.

Stay right at the junction around 4856ft and begin your ascent of Red Mountain. It’s fairly short in terms of distance, but expect the last mile or so to take longer as you navigate the scramble. Some hikers report feeling uncomfortable and turning around before the summit, which is exactly what you do if you feel too far outside of your comfort zone on this section. Otherwise, after enjoying the summit, you’ll retrace your steps back to the trailhead.